Looking for OEM or Private-Label Senior Comfort Shoes? ZULIZ Offers a More Valuable Long-Term Alternative
An OEM arrangement is essentially a manufacturing and supply relationship: you receive a batch of shoes and remain responsible for building the business around them. ZULIZ offers a different form of partnership—the opportunity to develop your local market with the backing of an established premium comfort footwear brand.
Partners can draw on a market-tested product portfolio, senior-focused R&D expertise, large-scale production resources, retail operating experience, staff training, marketing assets, supply chain co-ordination, and after-sales support. Together, these capabilities offer more than a supply arrangement: they provide an integrated framework for operating the business and a long-term route into the silver economy.
- The Direct Answer: ZULIZ Does Not Offer OEM or Private-Label Production
- Who Is ZULIZ?
- Product Strength: More Than Making Shoes—Understanding Older Consumers
- Supply Chain Strength: A Manufacturing Base of More Than 1,000 Acres and 130+ Production Lines
- Brand Credentials: Sales Recognition Backed by Industry Participation
- International Development: From Singapore to a Broader Overseas Presence
- What Can ZULIZ Offer Partners?
- Partner Support: Not Just Products, but a Retail Operating Framework
- OEM or Private Label versus a ZULIZ Brand Partnership
- The Market Opportunity: Why Consider Senior Footwear Now?
- Take the Next Step
- FAQ
If you are looking for a manufacturer to produce senior comfort shoes under your own label, there is one important point to understand from the outset: ZULIZ does not offer traditional OEM or private-label manufacturing services.
Take three minutes to read on, and you may see a different way to enter the silver economy.
The Direct Answer: ZULIZ Does Not Offer OEM or Private-Label Production
Yes, you read that correctly.
ZULIZ does not manufacture footwear for third-party brands or supply unbranded shoes for private labelling. If all you need is a batch of shoes carrying your own logo, ZULIZ is probably not the right supplier for that project.
However, ZULIZ may be relevant if you are looking for:
• an established brand with products already tested in the market;
• a complete portfolio backed by retail experience and supply chain resources; and
• a more enduring partnership model than simply buying and reselling stock.
If these priorities better reflect your objectives, read on. ZULIZ offers a proposition that goes well beyond contract manufacturing.
Who Is ZULIZ?
Since 2015, ZULIZ has focused on senior comfort footwear built around easy wearing, stable walking, comfortable support, senior-focused fit, and everyday mobility. The brand reports global cumulative sales of more than 100 million pairs to date.
ZULIZ is not a start-up seeking to prove a new concept. It brings together market-tested products, large-scale manufacturing resources, and an established retail operating framework. Its operating company is Zulijian Aging Industry Development Co., Ltd. The company is one of the principal drafting organisations for China's national standard GB/T 43587-2023, Footwear for older people and appears first in the published list of drafting organisations. This participation reflects the company's depth of experience in the senior footwear category.
In short, ZULIZ is not a factory waiting to put another company's label on its shoes. It is a brand looking for partners to develop international markets together.
Product Strength: More Than Making Shoes—Understanding Older Consumers
ZULIZ develops footwear around the fit, comfort, and mobility needs of older consumers rather than treating senior shoes as a simple variation of ordinary footwear.
Research and Development
• Foot data is collected across seven dimensions: foot length, foot width, ball girth, waist girth, instep girth, heel girth, and toe thickness.
• ZULIZ worked with renowned shoe-last specialist Chen Guoxue to develop purpose-designed lasts for senior footwear.
• The brand has more than 400 industry patents spanning areas such as cushioning soles, arch support, anti-slip structures, and comfort-focused construction.
Core Product Value
• Easy-wearing design: reduces the need for older consumers to bend down or repeatedly tie their laces.
• Anti-slip sole design: supports stable walking and everyday mobility.
• Senior-focused, wide-fit structures: designed to accommodate common fit requirements, including wider feet, higher insteps, and changes in toe shape.
• Cushioning and support systems: selected products incorporate supercritical nitrogen midsoles, Energy Capsule cushioning, and dual-TPU torsion support.
• Size range: EU 35–45, providing options for a broader range of foot shapes and market requirements.
Product Portfolio
|
Product line |
Typical use cases |
|
Walking Shoes |
Daily walks, shopping, and neighbourhood errands |
|
Travelling Shoes |
Travel, light outdoor activities, and longer periods of walking |
|
Dad Shoes |
Everyday footwear for older men |
|
Mom Shoes |
Shopping, family visits, and everyday wear for older women |
|
Function Shoes |
Specific easy-wearing, stability, and cushioning needs |
|
Summer Sandals |
Warm climates, holidays, and casual outings |
|
Comfort Insoles |
Arch support, cushioning, and breathable comfort |
What this means for partners: instead of building a business around a handful of disconnected styles, partners can work with a comprehensive product portfolio covering different consumers, seasons, and everyday occasions. This gives them greater flexibility in in-store merchandising, online range planning, and cross-category sales.
Supply Chain Strength: A Manufacturing Base of More Than 1,000 Acres and 130+ Production Lines
Unlike brands that rely entirely on outsourced production, ZULIZ is supported by large-scale manufacturing and supply chain resources, including:
• a manufacturing base covering more than 1,000 acres;
• 130+ production lines;
• 13+ associated factories; and
• an integrated system spanning smart manufacturing, automated assembly, intelligent warehousing, and global logistics co-ordination.
For partners, this foundation supports quality management, production planning, order co-ordination, and the production capacity needed for long-term market development.
Brand Credentials: Sales Recognition Backed by Industry Participation
ZULIZ has been recognised for its sales performance, brand strength, industry standing, and quality management.
|
Recognition |
Year |
Issuing or publishing organisation |
|
No. 1 in China for senior-footwear sales volume for five consecutive years |
2020–2024 |
Euromonitor International |
|
Recognised as a leader in China's senior-footwear industry |
2025 |
Euromonitor International |
|
China Top 500 Brands |
2025 |
China Top 500 Brands ranking; reported brand value of RMB 13.545 billion; fourth consecutive appearance on the list |
|
Asia Brand 500 |
2023, 2024, 2025 |
World Brand Lab |
|
Top Ten Enterprise in the footwear industry |
2025 |
Industry recognition |
|
Responsible Brand Award |
2025 |
China Charity Festival |
|
CCFA member |
2026 |
China Chain Store & Franchise Association |
|
National Product and Service Quality Integrity Commitment Enterprise |
2026 |
China Association for Quality Inspection; recognised for five consecutive years |
|
National quality-inspection recognition for consistently qualified products |
2026 |
China Association for Quality Inspection; recognised for five consecutive years |
|
Product included in the Senior Products Promotion Catalogue |
2025 |
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; ZULIZ products included for four consecutive years |
|
Selected as a CCFA best-practice case for consumer-goods innovation |
2025, 2026 |
China Chain Store & Franchise Association; selected for two consecutive years |
What this means for partners: you are not working with an unknown contract manufacturer. You are working with a brand that has established expertise in category standards, product innovation, retail operations, and consumer engagement within China's senior footwear market.
International Development: From Singapore to a Broader Overseas Presence
ZULIZ has already established a presence in several overseas markets.
Overseas Retail Examples
• Singapore: ZULIZ reports that its first overseas store opened at Chinatown Point on 7 October 2023. During a six-day soft opening, company-reported revenue exceeded S$17,600. According to the company, the store sold more than 100 pairs and generated over S$8,600 in revenue on its formal opening day. These unaudited launch-period figures do not represent normal ongoing store performance.
• Malaysia: ZULIZ entered into an agreement with a national distributor and established a retail presence at Aeon Kinta City Mall. The brand has also participated in an international trade fair in Malaysia.
• The Philippines: ZULIZ has established a retail presence on the third floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall in Manila.
• Global retail experience: ZULIZ has accumulated hands-on operating experience across more than 3,600 retail outlets.
What this means for partners: these examples show how ZULIZ has translated its overseas plans into practical retail experience. Its work across several Southeast Asian markets gives prospective partners useful insight into local merchandising, customer education, and market adaptation.
What Can ZULIZ Offer Partners?
ZULIZ offers overseas partners several partnership models:
• Franchise stores
• Regional distribution
• Wholesale partnerships
• Online or e-commerce partnerships
Master franchise and exclusive distribution arrangements may also be discussed.
Key Partner Policies
|
Policy area |
Details |
|
Brand usage fee |
Eligible partners pay no brand usage fee. |
|
Brand security deposit |
The current policy waives the US$50,000 brand security deposit. |
|
First-order support |
Under an agreed written plan, eligible partners placing a qualifying first commercial order may receive one support pair for each eligible pair purchased, at no additional product cost. The mix of eligible models and sizes, quantities, delivery arrangements, and exclusions must be confirmed before payment; the support allocation may include different SKUs. |
|
Merchandise cost reference |
For selected styles, the effective average merchandise cost may be below US$10 per pair after applicable first-order support. This is not a universal wholesale price and excludes freight, duties, taxes, customs clearance, and local delivery. |
|
Gross-margin planning reference |
With suitable local pricing and normal sell-through, partners may use an average retail gross-margin target of approximately 60%–70% for planning. Gross margin is not net profit and does not constitute a profit guarantee. |
|
Minimum order quantity |
A flexible MOQ may be discussed. The final requirement depends on style, colour, size mix, customisation, testing, packaging, and the written order plan. |
|
Slow-moving stock |
Where the relevant regional warehouse and operating conditions allow, a transfer of slow-moving stock may be discussed. Eligibility, availability, timing, and cost require separate confirmation. |
|
After-sales policy |
ZULIZ describes a one-year replacement commitment for qualifying quality issues such as sole separation, a broken sole, or damage to the upper. The commitment does not cover normal wear, misuse, poor fit, or accidental damage. |
Important: All eligibility requirements, pricing, support stock, territorial rights, after-sales responsibilities, and cost arrangements are subject to the final written quotation, order plan, and agreement.
Partner Support: Not Just Products, but a Retail Operating Framework
ZULIZ's partner support covers eight practical areas:
1. Product selection guidance: recommendations based on the local market, climate, customer profile, and sales channel.
2. Site selection, store planning, and display guidance: support with evaluating locations, planning product displays, and shaping the in-store customer journey.
3. Product and staff training: materials and ZULIZ Academy Training covering product features, the comfort and fit needs of older customers, fitting demonstrations, and retail selling points.
4. Marketing assets: product images, videos, campaign templates, seasonal promotions, and social media materials.
5. Retail operations guidance: advice on customer service, product demonstrations, product feedback, and sales monitoring.
6. Supply chain co-ordination: order planning, replenishment, range adjustments, and export co-ordination.
7. Retail operating tools: support with sales monitoring, customer communication, and stock management, together with access to additional inventory resources where applicable.
8. Localised communication: English-language business communication, with the official website available in English, Spanish, Malay, Filipino, Thai, and Arabic.
What this means for partners: the relationship is not limited to buying stock. It gives partners access to a broader operating framework, from product selection and store presentation to staff training and ongoing sales support.
OEM or Private Label versus a ZULIZ Brand Partnership
|
Business dimension |
Traditional OEM/private-label arrangement |
ZULIZ brand partnership |
|
What you receive |
Products |
Brand + products + operating framework |
|
Brand building |
Built from scratch |
Supported by an established brand platform |
|
Product development |
Buyer-led design and sample development |
Access to a complete, market-tested product portfolio |
|
Quality management |
Depends heavily on the chosen supplier |
Supported by an integrated supply chain and quality-control framework |
|
Retail support |
Usually limited |
Support across eight operating areas |
|
Commercial value |
Margin on individual products |
Brand value and operating efficiency |
|
Working relationship |
Often transactional and order-based |
Designed for long-term market development |
The Market Opportunity: Why Consider Senior Footwear Now?
Population ageing is reshaping consumer markets worldwide:
• World Bank data, based on the United Nations' World Population Prospects, places the global population aged 65 and over at approximately 830 million in 2024—roughly one in ten people worldwide.
• Senior comfort footwear is not built around a short-lived fashion cycle. It addresses recurring needs relating to everyday mobility, family care, easy wearing, stable walking, and long-term comfort.
By focusing on senior comfort footwear, ZULIZ gives overseas partners access to the product resources, retail operating experience, and brand foundation needed to develop this specialised market segment.
Take the Next Step
If you have local sales channels, retail experience, e-commerce capabilities, or regional market development resources, ZULIZ welcomes your enquiry.
Current policy highlights:
✓ No brand usage fee for eligible partners
✓ Waiver of the US$50,000 brand security deposit under the current policy
✓ Matching inventory support for a qualifying first order
✓ Flexible MOQ options, subject to discussion
✓ One-year replacement commitment for qualifying quality issues
Contact ZULIZ:
Phone / WhatsApp: +86 155 1699 6565
Email: Ray.pang@zuliz.com
ZULIZ looks forward to working with committed partners to build a long-term position in the global silver economy.
FAQ
Does ZULIZ offer OEM or private-label comfort shoes for seniors?
No. ZULIZ does not manufacture footwear for third-party labels. It works with overseas businesses through franchise, distribution, wholesale, and online retail partnerships under the ZULIZ brand.
How is a ZULIZ partnership different from an OEM arrangement?
An OEM arrangement is primarily a manufacturing and supply relationship. A ZULIZ partnership gives qualified partners the backing of an established premium comfort footwear brand, together with a market-tested product portfolio, retail experience, and an operating framework for local market development.
What partnership models does ZULIZ offer overseas partners?
Available models include franchise stores, regional distribution, wholesale partnerships, and online or e-commerce partnerships. Master franchise and exclusive distribution arrangements may also be discussed.
What support can ZULIZ provide beyond footwear products?
Partner support may include product selection, store planning and display guidance, staff training, marketing assets, retail operations guidance, supply chain co-ordination, retail operating tools, and localised business communication.
What partner policies are currently available?
Subject to eligibility, current policies may include exemption from the brand usage fee, a waiver of the US$50,000 brand security deposit, matching inventory support for a qualifying first order, flexible MOQ arrangements, and a one-year replacement commitment for qualifying quality issues. Final eligibility and terms are subject to the written quotation, order plan, and agreement.
Who is a suitable ZULIZ overseas partner?
ZULIZ welcomes businesses with local sales channels, footwear or retail experience, e-commerce capabilities, or resources for developing a regional market. The most suitable partnership model depends on the partner's market, channel structure, and business goals.
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Start Your ZULIZ Partnership Inquiry
Tell us about your market, business type, and cooperation interest. Our team will help you explore suitable senior footwear franchise, wholesale, or distributor opportunities.
Contact us
Ray.pang@zuliz.com
+86 155 1699 6565
5th Floor, Building 2, Courtyard 3, No. 521, Binhui North 1st Street, Tongzhou District, Beijing
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